11 summer decor trends pros say will be huge in 2026
Boldly-hued backsplashes will gain momentum this summer, just when you might be inspired by bursts of color the most. As Leah Hook, founder and principal designer of Gray Oak Studio, puts it, neutral, quiet color palettes are over, and in the kitchen, this means the introduction of bold-colored backsplashes, with or without white cabinets.
"This summer, I predict we will see colorful kitchen backsplashes that range from navy blue to olive green," she says.
Designers Say the "Beachy" Aesthetic Is Out for 2026—Here's the New Look That's Replacing It
Leah Hook, founder and principal of Gray Oak Studio, says, "Pairing the deeper stain with lots of grain or an organic shape makes these furnishings feel natural and complementary to the ocean and nature itself."
Pros Reveal the Biggest Summer Decor Trends for 2026
Boldly-hued backsplashes will gain momentum this summer, just when you might be inspired by bursts of color the most. As Leah Hook, founder and principal designer of Gray Oak Studio, puts it, neutral, quiet color palettes are over, and in the kitchen, this means the introduction of bold-colored backsplashes, with or without white cabinets.
“This summer, I predict we will see colorful kitchen backsplashes that range from navy blue to olive green,” she says.
6 Non-Tacky Ways to Display Your Favorite Wedding Photos, According to Designers
Adding a wedding photo or two to a gallery wall in your home is an easy way to display these special moments without drawing too much attention to them. This is one of Forina's favorite ways to put up wedding photos, specifically if the gallery wall is in a hallway, so it really doesn't feel overdone.
It's best to have up other artwork and photos in the mix as well, according to designer Leah Hook of Gray Oak Studio, as the wedding photos become less of a focal point and more of a way to tell a larger family story.
If Your Coffee Table Looks Busy, Designers Say This Common Styling Move Could Be the Reason
You've definitely seen this on a coffee table before; now that we've pointed it out, you're going to notice it even more. Lying a string of wooden or glass contentment beads on a stack of books has become what designer Leah Hook calls "a default default coffee table vignette." She also has a good theory on why it became so popular.
"I understand the appeal because there are layers, varying shapes and colors, and something a little bit unusual," Hook says. "But, as with most trends, it's now been done so often that it feels more formulaic than interesting or elevated."
9 Summer Decor Trends That Will Define the Season
"Sunset colors that are ever so slightly muted will be popular," says Leah Hook, founder and principal designer of Gray Oak Studio. Decorate with soft pinks and oranges that add warm energy and can easily be incorporated through small, inexpensive accents such as throw pillows, serving trays, or pitchers. "Think whimsical color without the extreme vibrancy; the whimsy is a little more subtle," Hook says.
4 interior design trends that are in right now and 3 that are out, according to designers
"We're seeing more of those everyday pieces become part of the decor, whether it's kitchenware or personal items that are styled in a way that feels beautiful," Leah Hook, founder and principal designer of Gray Oak Studio, told BI.
Business of Home
“From consultations and sourcing trips to installs and more, the day of an interior designer can be hectic. This week, we asked eight industry pros how they organize their schedules to make the most of every minute.”
4 Living Room "Rules" Designers Say You Should Break—Starting With Where to Put Your TV
“Everyone has room to be together—whether that’s for movie watching, long conversations, or longer cat naps,” says Leah Hook, founder and principal designer of Gray Oak Studio in Lynnfield, Massachusetts. “With that, the design goal is to comfortably seat everyone and have adequate surfaces to do the things they love to do.”
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What are your time management tips?
“I have three main time management strategies. First, I organize my emails by priority, [using] different folders to categorize by content and urgency. Second, I block Monday mornings for team meetings. By starting the week with a global conversation about everything that needs to be conquered by Friday, I am able to thoughtfully plan. Third, I outsource control of my calendar. This removes my emotional connection and gives an objective member of my team the ability to tweak and shift for productivity without the bias of my creative proclivities.” —Leah Hook, Gray Oak Studio, Lynnfield, Massachusetts
The beachy aesthetic is dead—designers reveal the new trends in coastal design
Leah Hook, founder and principal of Gray Oak Studio, says, “Pairing the deeper stain with lots of grain or an organic shape makes these furnishings feel natural and complementary to the ocean and nature itself.”
Designers are begging you not to install these 19 popular home features during your next renovation
“I’m constantly advising families to design for the 360 days a year, not the five. For households with young kids, a main-floor playroom or flexible family space will be used daily, while a formal dining room may only see action on a few holidays,” says Leah Hook, founder and principal designer of Gray Oak Studio. “Folding tables and a slightly kitschy holiday setup are far more practical than sacrificing everyday functionality and sanity.”
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19 Home Features You’ll Regret Installing, According to Designers
“I’m constantly advising families to design for the 360 days a year, not the five. For households with young kids, a main-floor playroom or flexible family space will be used daily, while a formal dining room may only see action on a few holidays,” says Leah Hook, founder and principal designer of Gray Oak Studio. “Folding tables and a slightly kitschy holiday setup are far more practical than sacrificing everyday functionality and sanity.”
Is Your Home Quietly KILLING Your Love Life? Here’s How Designers Say You Can Get the Spark Back
“A vase purchased on a special trip or a small object with shared history deserves a place of honor,” Hook says. “When these items are styled thoughtfully and intentionally made the focus of a vignette, they become daily reminders of connection and shared experiences.”
70 Chic Living Room Paint Colors Designers Say Won't Go out of Style
Benjamin Moore's Van Courtland Blue brings a sense of balance to the neutral furnishings in this living room by designer Leah Hook of Gray Oak Studio. "It’s a gorgeous midtone that steps well outside the neutral zone without feeling dark or moody," Hook says. "It's a definitively blue color with subtle green and gray undertones that allow it to steer clear of divisive turquoise hues or youthful chambray shades."
Why Every Home Can Benefit From a ‘Sunday Reset’ – A Designer-Approved Guide to Refreshing Your Interiors for the Week Ahead
Founder and Principal Designer of Gray Oak Studio Leah Hook, recommends switching around the artwork in your home each Sunday. 'It could be a family photo, a mini art print from a farmer's market, a piece of art from your children, a postcard from a summer vacation, or even a beautiful magazine clipping. Over time, you’ll build a folder of images that reflect both memories and mood, and it's fun to collect things throughout the year!' the designer explains.
'Something as simple as a rotating photo or print invites reflection on joyful memories or anticipation of what’s to come,' Leah continues. 'A quick glance at the 'new' art will pull you into the present, set the mood for the week ahead, and, ideally, stir a smile.'
6 affordable countertop materials that look way more expensive than they actually are
For a sleek and modern look that still feels luxe, designer Leah Hook of Gray Oak Studio notes that you can’t go wrong with a classic Super White Quartz. “A solid white quartz is an affordable option that consistently reads as more expensive than it is,” she adds. “I love using it to lay a neutral foundation so you can invest elsewhere—like with a bold cabinet color, interesting door style, or statement hardware—without overwhelming the space.”
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8 Kitchen Lighting Trends Designers Say You Need to Follow to Add Layered Warmth to Your Space in 2026
'In 2026, I’m excited to see a shift toward linear chandeliers over kitchen islands. We’ve enjoyed a long era of pendants, and it’s simply time for something fresh. I’m not referring to the elongated lanterns that had a big moment a decade ago,' says Leah Hook, founder and principal designer at Gray Oak Studio.